The 40th annual San Diego Crew Classic and Family Festival will explode into action April 6-7 on Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay. The annual rowing powerhouse event will feature many elite collegiate crews as the premier regatta celebrates four decades of rowing excellence.

Last year’s winning crews for the two coveted collegiate trophies were Harvard in the Copley Cup (men’s division) with its first title here since 1994 and their ninth overall win, and USC in the Jessop-Whittier Cup (women’s division) which has won back-to-back titles and its fourth victory since 2007.

The 2013 Copley Cup field includes Gonzaga, Oregon State, Stanford, University of California (Berkeley), University of Pennsylvania and University of British Columbia. The Jessop Whittier Cup field: Duke, Purdue, University of California (Berkeley), UCLA, USC, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Washington State.

About 4,400 athletes from more than 125 universities, clubs and high schools from across the United States, as well as the world, participate in this legendary, premier spring regatta. Athletes, ranging in age from 14 to 84 years, compete in more than 100 races in various divisions.

From its modest beginnings in 1973, the Crew Classic has matured into one of the largest regattas held primarily for eight-oared rowing shells. Today, it is a two-day, nationally acclaimed regatta for juniors, collegiate, masters and even Olympic-level competitors, set in the picturesque waters, sandy shores and green lawns of Mission Bay Park. More than 25,000 spectators watch the races from the shoreline and the popular Jumbotron on site. San Diegans can be proud of the strong influence the regatta has had on the sport.

Against the backdrop of the San Diego skyline, spectators at the Crew Classic can enjoy music, food, art exhibit, alumni and corporate tents and the Karl Strauss Beer Garden and Brew Classic for that “feet in the sand” or “beer in the hand” experience. The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Family Festival offers activities for children, like inflatables and rock climbing.

The massive Jumbotron provides spectators with the perfect view of the start of the races and is located just south of the Championship Stage, sponsored by American Specialty Health.

With the explosive power of eight athletes, races start near the SeaWorld towers and pass the Ingraham Street bridge, head north along Mission Bay for 2,000 meters, and finish at Crown Point Shores — all while being cheered on by fans, families, coaches and college pep bands.

Racing is tentatively scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. each day. The racing action continues until about 6 p.m. on April 6 and until about 3:30 p.m. on April 7. The Jessop-Whittier Cup heats begin early in the morning on April 6, followed by the Copley Cup heats. The Jessop-Whittier Cup final is set for April 7, followed by the Copley Cup final.

Ticket prices for the 2013 San Diego Crew Classic and Family Festival are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the event. Admission is free for active military with ID and for children under 12 years of age.

Parking is $15 per car at Crown Point Shores. There is free parking at Ski Beach, off of Ingraham Street and across from the entrance to Paradise Point Resort, with free shuttle service to the regatta.For more information about the 40th annual San Diego Crew Classic and Family Festival, visit crewclassic.org. The site includes information for competitors and spectators, as well as the race schedule and results.